AN INVESTIGATION OF PEER-TO-PEER ONLINE HEALTH COMMUNICATION: PERSPECTIVES OF PAKISTANI ADOLESCENT GIRLS

Authors

  • Faiza Muneeb Department of Media & Communication Studies, Karakoram International University, Gilgit
  • Akber Ali Media & Communication Studies, Karakoram International University, Gilgit
  • Sana Mehmood Department of Sociology& Anthropology, Karakoram International University, Gilgit

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.52567/pjsr.v3i02.207

Abstract

Online communication has already replaced the traditional means of communications as it offers a great platform for boys and girls to have discussions on various topics including health issues. The objectives of the study were to examine the peer-to-peer online communication about the healthy lifestyle of Pakistani teenage girls. The study was qualitative in nature, which investigates experiences and reasons for using online tools by Pakistani teenage girls for discussing healthy lifestyles.  For this purpose, (10) semi-structured interviews of Pakistani teenage girls were conducted. The results revealed that physical and mental health is positively affected by sharing experiences with online peers. Obtaining information, getting emotional support, sharing, and exchanging personal health problems and issues using online communication proved to be beneficial for teenage Pakistani girls. However, evaluation of positive results of online peer to peer communication on health-related topics is still attainable. One of the reasons for Pakistani teenage girls to seek a healthy lifestyle online is cultural barriers, expensive medical treatments, not consulting nutritionists, and unavailability of medical centers in Pakistan. Having a greater amount of discussion with the peer’s online, emotional support, trust, self-esteem extensively related to Pakistani girl’s perception. A positive environment and eminence of social and emotional support through online groups can yield good results on the health of an individual.

Keyword: Online Communication, Health, Teen Age Girls, Pakistan, Mental Health

Author Biographies

  • Faiza Muneeb, Department of Media & Communication Studies, Karakoram International University, Gilgit

    Lecturer

  • Akber Ali , Media & Communication Studies, Karakoram International University, Gilgit

    Head of Department

  • Sana Mehmood, Department of Sociology& Anthropology, Karakoram International University, Gilgit

    Visiting Lecturer

Additional Files

Published

2021-06-30

Issue

Vol. 3 No. 02 (2021): Pakistan Journal of Social Research (PJSR)

Section

Research Article

License

Copyright (c) 2021 Faiza Muneeb, Akber Ali , Sana Mehmood

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

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How to Cite

[1]
“AN INVESTIGATION OF PEER-TO-PEER ONLINE HEALTH COMMUNICATION: PERSPECTIVES OF PAKISTANI ADOLESCENT GIRLS”, Pak. J, Soc. Sci., vol. 3, no. 02, pp. 82–93, Jun. 2021, doi: 10.52567/pjsr.v3i02.207.